Valentine’s Day is a special holiday that comes around once a year, but not everyone celebrates it. Some may think it’s too commercialized, while others look forward to it all year long. In this blog post, we will look at five reasons why you should (or shouldn’t) celebrate Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, there are pros and cons to taking part in the festivities of this romantic holiday.
1) History of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day has its roots in ancient Rome, where the festival of Lupercalia was celebrated every year. It was a fertility rite meant to honor Juno, the goddess of women and marriage. On this day, boys would draw the names of girls from a box and pair off with them for the duration of the festival.
When Christianity began to spread throughout the Roman Empire, Lupercalia was outlawed due to its pagan associations. In an attempt to replace the pagan ritual, the Catholic Church declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day in honor of two martyred Christian saints that Emperor Claudius II executed, both named Valentine, on Feb. 14 of different years in the third century.
Over time, the holiday evolved into an expression of romantic love. During the Middle Ages, it became a tradition to give loved ones small gifts, such as flowers and cards, on Valentine’s Day. These gifts became even more popular during the Renaissance period when printed cards were made available.
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries all over the world. It has become a special day for couples to express their love for one another and celebrate the bond they share.
2) It’s a Hallmark holiday
Valentine’s Day is often seen as a “Hallmark holiday,” meaning that it has become a commercialized, money-making event for companies and businesses. For many people, it’s not about love and relationships but rather about buying things for each other. This puts a lot of pressure on couples to show their love by spending money when the true meaning of the holiday is about expressing affection for your loved one. Love should be celebrated every day, not just on Valentine’s Day, so be careful not to get caught up in the commercialization of the day.
3) It’s expensive
Valentine’s Day has become known as a holiday that can be costly for those in relationships. Restaurants and stores often raise prices on Valentine’s Day items to capitalize on the demand created by couples wanting to celebrate. Beyond traditional gifts such as flowers, chocolate, and jewelry, couples may opt for pricey dinners, spa treatments, and other luxury experiences. The cost of Valentine’s Day can add up quickly and put a strain on relationships if budgets are not discussed in advance. For those in relationships, it may be wise to discuss budget expectations before February 14th to avoid any potential financial stress or disagreements.
4) It’s a day for couples
Valentine’s Day is often seen as a day for couples to express their love. While that is certainly true, it doesn’t mean that people without a significant other can’t enjoy the day. That said, it is natural to feel pressure to be in a relationship if everyone around you is celebrating with their partner or spouse. If you don’t have someone to share the day with, consider finding activities and events to do with friends or family, or simply enjoy some quality time alone. Celebrating Valentine’s Day as a couple does not have to be traditional. Get creative and come up with something unique that you both will enjoy.
5) You can show your love any day
Valentine’s Day isn’t the only day of the year to show your love for someone. Showing love and appreciation for someone doesn’t have to be limited to one special day. You can show your love to those you care about any time and any day.
Think of all the ways you can express your love to someone, such as writing a heartfelt letter, making them a homemade card, giving them a surprise gift, taking them out for dinner, or even cooking them their favorite meal. Making someone feel special shouldn’t be limited to just one day. Make it a regular part of your relationship, and show your partner how much they mean to you every day.
You can also spend quality time with the ones you love on any given day. Take them out for a movie or coffee, take a walk together, plan a weekend getaway, or even cuddle up on the couch with a good movie and popcorn. Doing something special for your loved ones doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming, but it should always be meaningful.
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is just another day, but showing your love for someone shouldn’t be. Let them know how much you care about them on a daily basis and that you don’t need a designated day to express your love.
6) It’s a day for love
Valentine’s Day is often associated with being a day for couples, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Valentine’s Day is about celebrating and showing love for the people we care about most. You can show your appreciation for your family members, friends, coworkers, or even your pet! Showing love and appreciation for those in your life can help strengthen relationships and make everyone feel valued. It’s also important to recognize that self-love is just as important as showing love to others. Taking some time on Valentine’s Day to treat yourself and do something special can be a great way to show yourself some love.–MM
[…] giving and receiving gifts that come from the heart. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just because, a heartfelt gift is a surefire way to show your partner how much you care. Here are some recaps […]